Photography

This is an introductory college level photography course. The technical part of the class will explore the use of digital cameras, photo software, non-destructive workflows, and archival printing. The aesthetic part of the class is equally important and you will be heavily guided to explore making photographs that go beyond just photographing the things you like. Exploring the concept of making photographs that are meaningful will be emphasized in this course.

THE NO PHOTOGRAPHS LIST:

Campus – Squirrels or other small woodland creatures – Waterfowl (ducks, swans, geese, etc.) – Closeup Baby Faces – Closeup Horse Faces – Closeup Flowers – Sunsets – Cars without People – Homeless or other at-risk populations (unless you have a connection or relationship to an at-risk population)

Exceptions can be made to this list if you can demonstrate a genuine connection and interest in the subject matter and make a really interesting or different kind of photo of the subject matter.

Unit I Camera Basics

Identify the components that makeup the digital camera
Utilize the camera light meter
Understand and utilize the three components of exposure
Employ exposure controls for creative effects
Identify how focal length affects the way subject matter appears
Describe the differences between file formats

Camera Obscura: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/the-visual-delights-of-camera-obscura/

Tutorials:

Depth of Field: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XZ836BpKZE

Unit II Digital Darkroom

Demonstrate proper workflow in the lab while working with storage devices and the Mac computer
Demonstrate logical file management
Practice archival workflow through proper file management, software tools, image file formats, and output
Utilize appropriate software tools to improve image details and intent
Utilize software settings and drivers to create pigment inkjet prints

Evaluate projected images and prints for proper exposure, processing, and detail information

Tutorials

HDR: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/photoshop-merge-to-hdr.html
Crop: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/crop-remove-photo-edges.html?set=photoshop–fundamentals–crop-transform
Content Aware Crop: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/content-aware-crop-fill.html?set=photoshop–fundamentals–crop-transform
Select Part of an image: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/select-part-photo.html?set=photoshop–fundamentals–select-image-part
Retouching with Content Aware: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/fix-photo-content-aware.html?set=photoshop–fundamentals–retouching

Spot Healing: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/photoshop-heal-patch-tools.html?set=photoshop–fundamentals–retouching

PRINTING FROM PHOTOSHOP: https://youtu.be/a0-t7PJw19Q

PRINTING FROM LIGHTROOM: https://youtu.be/H9qy-Wje0vE

Unit III The Critique

Identify relationships of details in photographs
Articulate the meaning of photographs
Debate the qualities of student photographs in a group setting
Evaluate the overall success of how well a photograph communicates to a group of peers

Evaluate and Organize the photographs made over the course of a semester into a final presentation

NEED:

External hard drive (USB 3.0 Preferred) – Make Sure they are formatted with exFAT if you use a PC.

You are not required to buy a digital camera to complete this course. There will be some digital cameras available for you to borrow from this department. Inkjet Paper will also be supplied.

Evaluation of student learning

70 points – Assignments/Quizzes

Photo assignments require that you integrate many of the skills and techniques demonstrated in class. The assignment will reinforce technical concepts and require you to investigate what you want to photograph and how you want to treat the subject matter. You will be graded on both technical and creative aspects of your work. Quizzes will test your comprehension of assigned readings and lectures.

15 points – Mimic Photographer Presentation

An oral presentation that combines biographical and aesthetic analysis of a well-known photographer with photos made by the photographer and made by the student in the style of the chosen photographer.

15 points – Final Presentation

Students will organize their best work into a presentation for a final group critique. Grades are based upon technical and aesthetic concerns as well as participation in the group critique.